Security Term

Data Exfiltration

The unauthorized transfer of data from an organization's systems to an external destination controlled by an attacker.

What is Data Exfiltration?

Data exfiltration is often the final objective of a cyberattack. Methods include emailing files to external addresses, uploading to cloud storage, using DNS tunneling, or encoding data in outbound HTTP traffic. DLP tools and network monitoring are key defenses.

Understanding this concept is crucial for maintaining a robust security posture. In the context of modern cyber threats, data exfiltration represents a significant area of focus for security professionals and organizations alike.